10 DECEMBER 2016

“Notes & Quotes from Manny Pacquiao Conference Call”

Pacquiao on the attack against Shane Mosley

By: Marc Livitz; International boxing icon Manny Pacquiao participated in a brief media conference call today to discuss his eagerly anticipated third bout with Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez, which takes place on Saturday, November 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Fred Sternburg of Sternburg Communications thanked everyone for calling in and assured boxing fans that the fight between the two great boxers will be “not only be the fight of the year, but of the decade”.

CEO of Top Rank Promotions Bob Arum proceeded to express his gratitude as well. Arum’s opening comments were, “we are very excited as we wind down the long road to this anticipated fight. It’s been a long journey that started in Manila, then moved on to Mexico City for Marquez and Los Angeles for Manny. Everyone involved has done a magnificent job.

"Our friends at HBO and their fantastic show, 24/7 have been great with the first two parts that have aired. The best yet to come with segments three and four. Manny will be on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” tomorrow night. There will also be a date set soon for the Piers Morgan interview on CNN with Manny, his trainer Freddie Roach and myself. This is thrilling for Top Rank and this is a man who brings a new image and excitement to the sport. He is the fighting congressman and the world’s greatest pound-for-pound boxer”.

Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach fielded the first question, which asked how training camp was coming along for he and his prized fighter. Roach stressed that he continued to take exception to the shirt worn by Marquez which read, “I Beat Pacquiao Twice”. Marquez and Pacquiao battled to a disputed draw in their first fight in 2004 and Pacquiao won a razor-thin decision victory in their rematch in 2008.

Roach stated, “Manny’s on fire and he’s been training well. We did some sparring today. Manny will pay him back for the shirt. Payback’s a bitch.”

Pacquiao sought to end any further speculation on what to expect in the third installment of their trilogy when he said, “I’m tired of him saying he was robbed and that he won the last two. I can say the third one will be the end of all of that.”

Pacquiao has received some attention over the years for using many of the same sparring partners. In response as to why this has been the case, Freddie Roach answered, “We’ve tried to use other fighters, but many of them don’t last more than one day. We need a good relationship with the sparring partners as well.” He further assured the media that the fighters hired to spar with Pacquiao can take the punishment that he delivers when he said, “some of them have similar fighting styles to Marquez and they’re tough, durable fighters.”

Pacquiao was asked to comment as to whether or not he would seek a knockout victory due to the fact that possible future opponent Floyd Mayweather, Jr. defeated Marquez by decision in 2009. Pacquiao replied, “I’m not saying I’ll knock him out, but I’ve trained very hard and I’ve made lots of sacrifices through lots of hard work. I’ll just make sure I’m in 100% condition. If the knockout comes, it will be because of all the hard work I’ve done. I’m ready for the fight.”

In recent photos, Juan Manuel Marquez has appeared to have grown more muscular, which for some led to the belief that his power may have increased in turn. Freddie Roach dismissed any possible concern when he said, “Yes, his style has changed a bit, but we’ll be ready. Marquez looks like he’s been working hard, but we’ve done much to help us as well. We’re ready if he comes to attack us.”

Pacquiao assured those listening that he wasn’t particularly concerned with the counter right hand which Marquez used so effectively in their previous two fights. Pacquiao said, “Yes, we know his style well, especially from the last two fights. We have a strategy and we’ve worked on that”.

Given that Pacquiao seems determined to set the record straight on November 12, he was asked whether or not he uncharacteristically felt any animosity towards his opponent. Marquez has complained often and sometimes loudly that he won both of their previous meetings. Manny shrugged it off and replied, “I’ll never underestimate Marquez. I know he’s training hard and that he’s very strong. I know I’m better now than the first two times. Since then, I’ve developed my right hand. My power is the difference now.”

Pacquiao has been in high demand for all varieties of media outlets, such as talk shows and radio interviews. He was asked how he dealt with all of the potential distractions that may result from it. He said, “I can still focus and train hard. I’m able to put aside all of the distractions.” Freddie Roach agreed with Pacquiao. “Manny handles it well. Once he gets into the gym, it’s all business. There’s no problem with making appearances on talk shows and so on”, said Roach.

Recent accusations have surfaced about the use of illegal steroids in boxing and professional sports. Bob Arum gave his opinions on the matter and mentioned once-convicted banned substances dealer Victor Conte, particularly in regard to Top Rank fighter and Bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire. Arum said, “It would behoove all the press to stop dealing in generalities. First, the fighter can hire anyone he wants to train him. Secondly, there was a time when some dealt in steroids with major athletes and it’s old news. Most of the intelligent (Conte with Donaire) individuals know that you can achieve all the benefits with natural supplements without any risks to health or any legal issues. It all makes no sense. They’ve been through the system. Conte went to jail. You don’t have to do it anymore. They are now using natural, totally legal supplements and state of the art conditioning methods. The steroid problem is fading into the past.”

Manny Pacquiao was then asked if he felt any more excitement for the upcoming fight than their past meetings, to which he replied, “I believe this fight is more exciting because of his style and mine as well. There will be a lot of excitement in the ring and lots of power.”

Lastly, Bob Arum was asked to comment on the relationship he has seen develop over the years between Manny Pacquiao and his trainer, Freddie Roach. Arum was brief, but to the point. “It’s very unique. There’s been other duos such (Muhammad) Ali & Angelo (Dundee, Ali’s trainer), but Ali got so big and he would tell Angelo how his training would go. This is a relationship of equals. Freddie trains and Manny boxes.”